FDA Will Reexamine Potential BPA Bottle Risk

The issue of whether water and other bottles made from the plastic bisphenol-A (BPA) is dangerous to humans isn't quite settled yet, as far as the FDA is concerned. The FDA has decided to reconsider the potential risk posed by the material after its own advisory group accused the agency of "failing to adequately consider research about the dangers of bisphenol-A," according to an article in The New York Times.

A number of animal studies have linked BPA to risk of disease, including some by federal government agencies. BPA is used in many types of plastic bottles (including baby bottles) and in plastic containers, as well as other containers used for food.

Scientific American featured an article in April discussing what it saw as the reasons for suspicions surrounding BPA.

One study has found that the chemical is released more quickly when boiling water is placed in a container made from BPA, but says it's unclear what addition risk this might pose to humans.

The Canadian government is said to have restricted the use of certain products containing BPA, and to have banned baby bottles made with the chemical.

Holiday Health Myths Debunked, and Top Health Stories of 2008

The holiday season is a time of overindulging in food and fun, and of looking back on the past year. WebMD has articles covering both aspects of the season. First there's a quick look at some long-held myths about the holidays and wintertime. Does eating lots of sugar really make children hyperactive? Is it true you lose most of your body heat through your head? Is there really an effective hangover remedy? This article sets the facts straight.

Food and health issues were in the news a lot this year, from tainted tomatoes to the fact that more Americans have HIV than was previously thought. WebMD surveys the top 10 health news stories of 2008, with a number of links to relevant articles for each topic.